“BJP’s challenges and resolutions”
Dr Varinder Sharma
Despite the historic abrogation of Article 370, which aimed to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, demands for a separate Jammu state are once again surfacing from various quarters. The objective of nullifying Article 370 was to dismantle the monopoly of a select few families over power and to devolve authority to the grassroots level, enabling people to have a say in decision-making institutions and elect their representatives beyond dynastic lines. However, the emergence of voices advocating for a separate Jammu state is a cause for concern for both the BJP leadership and citizens.
Recently, the ministry of home affairs issued a notification amending the transaction of business rules of the Jammu and Kashmir reorganisation act. This amendment, aimed at giving more powers to the Lieutenant Governor, has sparked renewed calls for a separate Jammu state. The notification under Section 55 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, inserting new sections to empower the Lieutenant Governor, was not well received by many and they started echoing voices of separate state for Jammu.
Social Media Reactions
Manu Khajuria, a London-based social activist with roots in Jammu, Patna, and Kashmir, expressed her views on X (formerly Twitter). She tweeted, “If this is not the time for Jammu leaders to ask for a separate state, I don’t know when is,” garnering 153 likes, 32 reposts, and several comments. Rahul Dubey responded, “I don’t think about separate states, but at least they talk about equality for both regions and stop appeasement politics.” Manu Khajuria countered, “We are two separate regions with different aspirations and behavior. Doesn’t Jammu deserve to have full statehood?”
Another user, Varinder Sharma, supported the idea, while Rahul Dubey suggested a solution, “Once a soldier gave a great suggestion to finish this conflict: break Kashmir into parts and join one part with Jammu and another with Ladakh.” To this another social media user, argued, “Making Kashmir a separate territory with over 95% Muslims would be a strategic blunder by the Indian state. Jammu serves as a leverage with a Hindu majority population over Muslim-dominated Kashmir Valley. Jammu should negotiate for more power and resources from the government.”
Manu Khajuria had an answer and I quote, “Jammu has made supreme sacrifices for the nation only to be treated as a sacrificial goat. It’s been destroyed while being served as a false leverage. Have Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Telangana become other countries?” Other Twitter users, like Hemant Sharma, voiced concerns, “Jammu is taken for granted, even by BJP. Forget about them granting a separate state for Jammu. Only one honest administrator J&K ever got was Shri Jagmohan. Rest all CMs and governors, bureaucracy are compromised. BJP of Jammu Kashmir is now diluted with induction of NC and INC leaders.”
Gaurav Sharma replied to Manu Khajuria, stating, “You are the flag bearer of Jammu’s rights and also in the good books of Jammu leaders. Then you should request them to raise voices in favor of Jammu.”
Some users reminded Manu Khajuria of the Jammu State Morcha, a political group created in 1999-2000, advocating for a separate Jammu state. While the debate was extensive, these voices for a separate state are damaging the secular fabric for which BJP stands. Nowhere in the BJP manifesto is such a demand present. However, the BJP is working hard to restore peace in Kashmir, ensuring the return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland.
India’s Proxy War with Pakistan and Internal Challenges
India is currently engaged in a proxy war with Pakistan, a situation that demands vigilance and strategic responses. Stray incidents of violence, particularly in Jammu division, have been reported recently, causing concern for the administration and security agencies. The morale of Indian forces remains high, with assurances that the sacrifices of soldiers will not go in vain. The government is determined to avenge these attacks and eliminate terrorists in their strongholds. Many might be thinking negative but the fact remains that our vigilant forces are eliminating these terrorists simultaneously.
A proactive approach will finish them all in few months and Jammu and Kashmir will completely be free from these terrorists who are fast losing ground. There seems to be an escalation in attacks but this again can’t be construed as a failure in any way as repulsive attacks are eliminating terrorists in a big way. We are capable and will be eliminating militancy completely.
It is because of consistent efforts of BJP government at the Centre that several temples located in Kashmir are being revived and regular pooja besides other rituals are being held there. These efforts stand appreciated by even the local population of the same villages. Though some stray incidents of violence particularly in Jammu division, have been reported during the recent past, which are a cause of worry for the administration as well as the securities agencies yet the morale of our forces is high. These sacrifices of our soldiers won’t go waste and we will definitely be avenging these attacks.
BJP’s Developmental Efforts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to ensuring Jammu and Kashmir’s development, connecting the region through railroads and airways with the rest of the world. The establishment of AIIMS, IIT, and IIM in Jammu exemplifies the government’s efforts to bring development at par with other states. Massive tunneling and road work are underway to connect border areas with the rest of the country. This unprecedented infrastructure development aims to provide better road connectivity and institutions previously denied by previous regimes, such as the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party or that of Congress.
The BJP’s vision includes restoring peace, facilitating the return of Kashmiri Pandits, and creating a conducive atmosphere for young people to pursue politics, start businesses, or excel in their chosen fields. However, the resurgence of demands for a separate Jammu state requires introspection by the BJP leadership to ensure that their efforts over the past decade are not undermined. People must be informed about policies and programs aimed at empowering the masses in Jammu and Kashmir.
Resolve
The recent tweets by Manu Khajuria also highlight the sacrifices and struggles faced by the people of Jammu. She tweeted, “On one hand, the Supreme Sacrifice of our soldiers on the land weighs us down heavily. And on the other, normal life is just a façade. The Naya and normal was not the agenda for Jammu. The attitude has always been Jammu can wait or chin up and bear more.” Despite limited response, her sentiments resonate with many who feel neglected.
The BJP must address these concerns and continue working towards the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir. The party’s leadership should introspect and ensure that the aspirations of the people are met, and their sacrifices are honored. The government’s focus on infrastructure and development, coupled with strategic responses to internal and external threats, will pave the way for a prosperous and united Jammu and Kashmir and end bring at rest such demands of separate Jammu state which are nowhere on the agenda of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).
(The writer is Co-convenor Professional Cell J&K BJP)
